Why We’re Hosting a Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers
(and Why It Actually Matters)
Let’s be honest: we weren’t planning to start a summer camp just to keep your pre-teen off TikTok for a few hours a day. But here at the Innovation Barn, we believe that the future of sustainability doesn’t just belong to the next generation — it depends on them.
And frankly? They’re more than ready for it.
We created this camp because we’ve met some incredible middle schoolers who ask better questions than most adults in a city council meeting. They want to know where their stuff goes when they throw it away, why food waste matters, and how we can actually fix this whole “climate change” thing without just yelling about it online.
So, we thought: let’s invite them into the Innovation Barn and show them.
👟 July 14–18: A Week of Hands-On, Brain-On, Eco-Fueled Fun
This is not your average “make a birdhouse and call it STEM” summer camp. This is a deep dive into the circular economy, designed just for rising 6th to 8th graders who are curious, creative, and maybe just a little obsessed with saving the planet (or at least turning trash into something cooler).
🌍 Why It Matters
Because when kids understand how waste, food, energy, and systems actually work, they start asking harder questions. They see the connections. They come up with ideas adults haven’t thought of yet. And they walk away knowing that sustainability isn’t just about recycling — it’s about innovation, community, and action.
💥 What They’ll Do
Hands-on projects that bring sustainability to life
Behind-the-scenes tours of our plastics lab, food waste partners, textile space, and more
Creative crafting, self-guided games, and a real-life aquaponics session with 100 Gardens (fish poop meets lettuce — don’t worry, it’s cooler than it sounds)
Daily challenges based on real-world environmental issues — plus the tools to actually do something about them
🗓️ Sample Day (Because You Were Going to Ask)
9:00 AM: Morning kickoff + sustainability theme
9:30 AM: Circular economy action project
10:30 AM: Tours + hands-on demos with community partners
11:30 AM: Games, crafts, snacks, and reflection
12:00 PM: Wrap-up and pick-up with lots to talk about on the ride home
📌 The Details
Dates: July 14–18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Drop-off at 8:30, Pick-up by 12:30)
Location: Innovation Barn, Charlotte
Cost: $250/week
Optional Take-Home Lunch: $85
Limited to 25 campers – Waitlist available once we fill up (and we will fill up)
If you’ve got a rising middle schooler who’s curious, concerned, or just completely over the idea of sitting inside all summer, send them our way. We’ll get their hands (and brains) working — and hopefully send them home just a little more fired up about building a better future.
🛠️ Let’s turn trash into tools, confusion into clarity, and middle schoolers into changemakers.
